Option 1: write two 500-800 word essays on the two topics below:

 
1. We have seen throughout the semester that in many ways the Romans were very much like "modern" westerners, but that in many ways they were distinctly "ancient." With that in mind, in what ways are the circus (chariot racing) and/or other leisure activities (excluding the gladiatorial games) both "modern" and "ancient" with respect to their aims? What conclusions can one draw? As usual, make sure you give specific examples to support your conclusions.

2. We have seen throughout the semester that in many ways the Romans were very much like "modern" westerners, but that in many ways they were distinctly "ancient." Examine the aims of the gladiatorial games and the movie Gladiator. What conclusions can one draw? As usual, make sure you give specific examples to support your conclusions.
 
 

 
1. If you choose topic 1, you may also discuss the gladiatorial games.

2. If you choose topic 2, you may also discuss other forms of modern entertainment)
 
 

We have seen that Roman art is a valuable source of information about the life and times during the Roman empire. Using some of the examples on one to three of the topics listed below (with their appropriate links), detail some of the ways they expand upon the documentary evidence given in our readings. [for the purpose of citations refer to these sites as McManus, arena, circus, or leisure. For the images themselves, give enough information so that I can tell which you are referring to]
 

1. gladiatorial: McManus, arena  (and the external links of images listed just above their images)

2. the "circus": McManus, circus  (and the external links of images listed just above their images)

3. other leisure: McManus, leisure